1 Samuel 31

Chapter 31

31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, ^a Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

(a) So we see that his cruel life has a desperate end, as is commonly seen in those who persecute the children of God.

31:7 And when the men of Israel that [were] on the other side of the ^b valley, and [they] that [were] on the other side ^c Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

(b) Near to Gilboa.
(c) The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh.

31:9 And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to ^d publish [it in] the house of their idols, and among the people.

(d) In token of victory and triumph.

31:11 And when the inhabitants of ^e Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;

(e) Whom he had delivered from their enemies, ( 1 Samuel 11:11 ).

31:13 And they took their bones, and buried [them] under a tree at Jabesh, and ^f fasted seven days.

(f) According to the custom of mourners.